Back to Ariane 6

ARIANE 64 IN-DEPTH

Versatile, modular and competitive are key design features of Ariane 6:

  • State-of-the-art technologies and cutting edge expertise from European industry;
  • Production costs 40 to 50% lower than those of Ariane 5 in order to be competitive;
  • Contribution of new industrial processes and innovative manufacturing technologies (3D printing, friction-stir welding, laser surface treatment, …).
Upper Liquid Propulsion Module (ULPM)
Vinci engine

Upper Liquid Propulsion Module (ULPM)

Upper Liquid Propulsion Module (ULPM)

Belgium
France
Germany
Netherlands

The reignitable Upper Liquid Propulsion Module (ULPM) offers a great flexibility; in particular, in case of a shared launch, the payloads can be injected on different orbits. The ULPM phase typically consists of one, two or more burns to reach the targeted orbit, depending on the orbit altitude, eccentricity and inclination. The Upper Liquid Propulsion Module modularity guarantees a safe and reliable separation of multiple satellites.

Vinci engine

Vinci engine

France
Germany

The Vinci engine is part of the Upper Liquid Propulsion Module (ULPM) and provide the thrust.

The Vinci engine was conceived to enhance the Arianespace heritage of reliability, earned by its predecessor HM7B. The new Vinci engine has the capability of restarting up to five times, allowing Ariane 6 to reach a range of orbits on a single mission to deliver more payloads. Moreover, through re-ignitions of the Vinci engine, the Launch Vehicle will feature specific orbital characteristics changes with respect to the primary mission.